distensible

[ dih-sten-suh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being distended. distended.

Other Words From

• dis·tensi·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distensible¹

1820–30; < Latin distēns ( us ) (past participle of distendere; distend- distend + -tus past participle suffix) + -ible

Example Sentences

As expected, the fish responded by ballooning up and by rapidly gulping down water into a distensible stomach.

From Science Magazine

That neck of his was so very, very long, and though distensible enough on the whole, sometimes he encountered difficulties that it was almost impossible to surmount.

From Project Gutenberg

However, they arbitrarily classed as adults all individuals 22.5 mm. in length or larger, having found individuals this small that showed the darkened and distensible throat pouches characteristic of adult males.

From Project Gutenberg

What is said of the distensible character of the stomach and alimentary canal?

From Project Gutenberg

The disproportionate voices are produced by means of an extra amount of skin on the throat, which is distensible and acts as a drum to increase the volume of sound.

From Project Gutenberg